Dani Alves eyes Barcelona captaincy

Alves, 31, had been widely expected to leave the Camp Nou over the summer as part of a squad shake-up that has already seen Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes and Cesc Fabregas move on, with others including Xavi Hernandez thought to be close to an exit.

However, a potential Alves switch to Paris Saint Germain has reportedly stalled amid concerns over his salary demands and age, with the Ligue 1 club now seeming more interested in signing AC Milan's Iganazio Abate to cover their right-back slot.

Speaking from Brazil's World Cup camp, the former Sevilla player told Mundo Deportivo he was keen to stay at the Camp Nou and become the leader of a new team.

"I would be proud to be captain of FC Barcelona," Alves said. "I believe I am staying. We will see what happens -- it would be a source of real pride to be the captain of such a big club."

Alves, who last week professed his shock at the revelation that Xavi was close to leaving for Qatar club Al Arabi, said he was now resigned to the idea of his teammate moving on.

"Yes, it is true, Xavi is leaving Barca," he said. "It is a great pity for Barca. With his departure I am losing one of my football idols."